Three Little Things That Make Life Better

 In this reflection, I'd like to share some simple yet profound practices that can significantly enhance our daily lives. These practices are both accessible and rewarding.

1. Capture Moments Through Instant Journaling

One of my long-standing habits has been the immediate documentation of meaningful thoughts and feelings. Whether it's experiencing the warmth of sunlight during a walk or being struck by an inspiring passage while reading, I make it a point to record these moments instantly in my notes app.

This practice serves two purposes:

• Creates a rich repository of ideas and experiences

• Helps reconstruct memories and emotions when revisiting these notes

These brief recordings act as anchors, connecting various experiences into a coherent narrative of our lives. I highly recommend using your phone's native notes app or any preferred tool to jot down these fleeting thoughts - even a few keywords can suffice.

2. Embrace the Power of Scent

Interestingly, among all our senses, smell maintains the most direct connection to memory in our brain's evolution. While other sensory pathways have become more complex, the olfactory system's link to the hippocampus (our memory center) remains unchanged.

This explains why certain scents can instantly trigger vivid memories, much like Proust's famous madeleine moment in "In Search of Lost Time." He beautifully describes how tastes and smells, though seemingly fragile, possess remarkable staying power and can support entire structures of memory.

3. Seek Novel Experiences

Breaking routine is essential for mental stimulation. Consider these suggestions:

• Explore unfamiliar neighborhoods in your city through "citywalks"

• Try new activities like coastal hiking

• Engage with interactive puzzles or games (such as the color-mixing puzzle game at https://colorfle.app)

Our brains crave novelty. Constantly operating within familiar environments and routines can dull our perception and lead to monotony. By intentionally seeking new experiences, we:

• Stimulate cognitive function

• Maintain mental freshness

• Strengthen our connection with the physical world

• Enhance our sense of vitality

These practices help maintain a vibrant connection between our inner world and external reality, fostering a more engaged and mindful existence.